Curving Block Studio by sukchulmok: A Playful Architectural Intervention in Daejeon

A Sculptural Welfare Space Inspired by Toy Blocks

Located in the heart of Anyeong-dong, Daejeon—a bustling industrial zone in Jung-gu, South Korea—the Curving Block Studio by sukchulmok redefines industrial architecture by merging playfulness with sculptural precision. Commissioned by a baby products company to create an employee welfare and product photography space, this 165 m² mixed-use building transforms an unused lot into a multifunctional creative hub.

Form, Material, and Function in Perfect Harmony

Conceived as a giant building block, the structure expresses geometric purity and material honesty. Its curved semicircular form is enhanced by the juxtaposition of PTFE tensile membrane structures with bare concrete, creating a distinctive tactile contrast. This combination retains the flexibility of tents while asserting the permanence of concrete. The material palette—deliberately limited to red brick, exposed concrete, tensile fabric, and steel—maintains a minimalist visual language while evoking childhood memory through shape and form.

Circulation Through Spatial Illusion

The circulation strategy emphasizes fluidity between indoor and outdoor environments. Two offset entrances, nestled within the warped curvature of the building's form, lead visitors into a high-ceiling hall equipped with a Cyclorama wall—a seamless backdrop for product photography. The layout also incorporates a private garden that buffers the street, creating a serene zone of relaxation amid the industrial context.

sukchulmok explores visual perception and spatial illusion, embedding optical tricks into the form. As visitors shift perspective, the building appears to transform—playing with height lines, material junctions, and partial enclosures. The studio describes this effect as “deviating from general spatial perception,” encouraging a heightened awareness of the environment.

Furniture That Echoes the Architecture

The furniture is not merely functional—it’s sculptural and site-specific. Designed from construction remnants and shaped by the same gestures as the building itself, these pieces act as spatial continuities. From steel-framed benches to multi-textured iron tables, each item deepens the relationship between architecture, memory, and material expression.

These custom objects blur the line between architecture and interior design. They serve as both utility and narrative—referencing the construction process, leftover materials, and the layered nature of building fabrication. Their presence reinforces the building's conceptual purity and embodies a sustainable design approach through creative reuse.

All Photographs are works of Hong Seokgyu